• Never place flammable products such as paper, fabric, gasoline, propane or paint thinner anywhere near appliances. Flammable vapors from these types of products are easily ignited and can cause severe burns. Vapors cannot be seen, may be heavier than air and have the ability to travel a long way across the floor in seconds.
• All flammable liquids should be used according to manufacturers’ instructions on their containers. Flammable liquids like gasoline and propane should never be used indoors.
• Keep gasoline ONLY in an approved gasoline container. Never fill gasoline containers to the top. Allow room for vapor expansion. Make sure the container is tightly sealed.
• Keep gasoline and other flammable liquids away from children.
• Store flammable liquids such as paints, solvents, propane and gasoline away from heating sources.

• Keep the meter clear of obstructions so first responders can reach it during an emergency.
• Never hang items such as clothes, towels or blankets on gas piping. This can damage piping and potentially cause a gas leak.
• Don't place mulch, topsoil or rocks in contact with your meter, as such materials can cause your meter to corrode and leak.

• Chimneys, exhaust ducts and vents for gas appliances must be cleared and free of all debris and obstructions following a major snow or ice storm to enable proper venting and prevent carbon monoxide accumulation.
• Make sure that snow or ice does not block exhaust from a sidewall vent. Sidewall vents are common in recent heating and water heating systems, especially with high efficiency models. Vents act as breathing devices for these systems. If a vent becomes blocked with snow or vegetation, it could shut down heating equipment or draw in exhaust fumes containing carbon monoxide.
• Accumulation of ice or snow can interfere with the proper operation of your gas metering system. The meter assembly may contain a regulator, which is a gas-controlling device that is designed to safely release pressurized gas into the air in the event of a malfunction. Blocking the regulator vent could create an unsafe condition where gas may accumulate due to not being able to escape from internal piping.
• Snow and ice can damage gas meters and piping. Be careful when removing snow from around the gas meter; any damage to the gas meter could potentially create a gas leak hazard.
• Chimneys and vents should be protected using an approved cap or screen to keep animals or insects from entering. These pests have been known to build nests inside chimneys or vents and can cause potentially hazardous conditions.
• Steer clear of gas meters and associated piping when using snow blowers. Always start your snow blower outside to avoid potential carbon monoxide and fire hazards. Never let a snow blower run in an enclosed area like a garage.
• If you smell a gas odor outside your home, move at least 350 feet away, then call PSE&G at 1-800-880-7734 (PSEG) and remain outside until PSE&G arrives. (Do not use a cell phone or other devices that could spark a fire while in an area of a potential gas leak.)

• Never use an outdoor grill indoors or in any enclosed areas, including sheds or garages. Carbon monoxide can accumulate and cause a hazardous situation.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines before operating a gas grill.
• Inspect your gas grill prior to using it. Make sure all the connections are tight, drip pans are clean, and there are no insect nests in the burners.
• Check connections by rubbing soapy water over them. If you see any bubbling, tighten the fittings.
• When lighting the grill, make sure the burner controls are not set to maximum levels. Never try to light the grill with the lid closed.
• Keep your clothing, face and hair away from the grill when lighting burners.
• If the grill fails to light, keep the lid open for at least five minutes to allow residual gas to disperse into the air before attempting to relight.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of fire.
• Make sure children are kept a safe distance away from the grill.
• Be sure to operate the grill at a safe distance away from the home and any other combustible or flammable materials. The high amount of heat generated has the potential for melting vinyl siding. Make sure the grill is not near flammable materials like pine needles, grass clippings or piles of leaves.
• Clean grill surfaces before you start cooking.
• Turn the valves off when you’re finished cooking.
• If your grill is not working properly, arrangements can be made to schedule a repair service for a fee by contacting PSE&G WorryFree or your local plumber. Learn more about PSE&G's WorryFree program here.
• If you smell a gas odor outside your home, move at least 350 feet away, then call PSE&G at 1-800-880-7734 (PSEG) and remain outside until PSE&G arrives. (Do not use a cell phone or other devices that could spark a fire while in an area of a potential gas leak.)

• Keep emergency numbers for local police and fire departments near your house phone, and program them into your cell phone.
• Ensure that children know how to make a call to 911, and under what circumstances they should do so.
• Make sure that at least one smoke detector is placed on every floor of your home. Install detectors on the ceiling away from air vents and near bedrooms. Test your detectors every few months to ensure they're working. Change the batteries when you change the clocks in spring and fall.
• Don’t ignore beeping smoke detectors. This may mean the battery needs to be replaced.
• Develop an emergency exit plan for your home in case of a fire. Practice the plan to make sure everyone can escape quickly and safely. Make sure everyone in the home is aware of the exits.
• Keep your chimney and vent piping clean. Have them inspected regularly and cleaned by a professional when necessary.
• Don’t smoke in bed and keep ashtrays and other smoking materials away from beds, curtains and blankets.
• Don’t throw hot or burning items or cooking oil into a trash can.

• Natural gas is naturally odorless. An odorant, called Mercaptan, is added to natural gas before it reaches your meter so that gas leaks can more easily be detected. This is what gives gas that characteristic “rotten egg” smell to alert you of a potential gas leak.
• The old saying “the nose knows” unfortunately is not always true. Some individuals may not be able to smell natural gas because they have developed or were born with a diminished sense of smell. However, there are other ways to help to detect potential gas leaks 
• Additionally, you can consider purchasing residential methane detectors to alert you of a gas leak in your home. They work by sensing natural gas and sounding an alarm before the gas reaches dangerous levels.  Be sure to read the user manual for proper installation and use.
• If your methane detector goes off, evacuate the house immediately. Refrain from turning any lights on or off and from using your phone, any electronic devices or appliances on your way out. Then, call 911 or PSE&G at 1-800-880-7734 from a safe location (a minimum 350-foot distance), and do not return to your home until you are informed it is safe to do so.
• Note: Methane detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are not the same. PSE&G does not sell or install methane detectors. The Consumer Products Safety Commission, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) can help you make an informed decision. Look for UL or nationally recognized testing laboratory certification on any alarm you purchase, and carefully follow the instructions for placement, use and maintenance.

Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) is flexible gas house piping that was introduced in the U.S. in 1990. Though it is easier to install than rigid piping, it needs to be properly bonded to prevent the risk of damage and fire from a lightning strike. Direct or even nearby lightning can cause CSST to become energized, potentially leading to damage and/or fire. Contact a licensed electrician to ensure your CSST was properly bonded and is up to local codes.

If you suspect there is a gas leak, evacuate the area immediately and take others with you. Do not use a light switch, your phone, or anything that can create a spark on the way out. Then, call 911 or PSE&G at 1-800-880-PSEG (7734) from a safe distance. For more information about gas leaks, click here.